10/10/11 CHRISTIANITY IN KOREA - Reading 3:Introduction of Protestantism, Christianity 1880s - 1910s
How was the first Protestant missionary able to legally gain entrance to Korea?
The first Protestant missionary was able to legally come into Korea because he came not as a missionary but as a physician to the U.S. delegation in Seoul and he learned the Korean language so that he could communicate with the people.
Besides their spiritual message, what else did the Protestant community have to offer which might have attracted interest and converts?
Besides spreading the spiritual message, the Protestant community also had properties such as schools, medical college, nurse training school, hospitals, dispensaries, an orphanage, school for the blind, a printing press, churches and a Christian community, which might have attracted interest and encouraged people to convert. This attracted people to convert to Christianity because it gave people the opportunity to education, health services, and jobs.
How did the churches’ actions positively identify it with Korean nationalism?
Protestant Churches continued the Catholic church’s practice of translating texts and writing hymns in han’gul. Han’gul is a Korean script that was not widely used until the 1880‘s, but the Christian community encouraged it and the han’gul was much more accessible especially in the new schools opened by Christian missionaries. Because of these Korean nationalist ideals in the minds of the people, Protestant Churches attracted people through their respect for the Korean language.
10/10/11 CHRISTIANITY IN KOREA - Reading 1: The Origins of the Korean Church
Why do you think the first time Christianity entered Korea, it attracted no converts and had basically no influence on the Korean people or society?
I think that the first time Christianity entered Korea, it attracted not converts and had basically no influence on the Korean people or society because there was not much of a pull towards a monotheistic religion especially during a time of war. Perhaps people did not see the immediate connection between Western and Korean ideals. Or was it because not many powerful and influential people became influenced by this new religion? Perhaps. I believe that Christianity did not initially attract many followers in Korea because it did not relate with
What is unique about how the first Christian church was established in Korea as compared to the formation of early churches in other parts of the non-western world?
The first Christian church that was established in Korea is unique compared to the formation of early churches in other parts of the non-western world because the church was not directly established by people of a different ethnicity: it was a Korean person who established a religion from the outside-world into Korea. This makes it unique in a sense that because the Korean founder of Korean Christianity in Korea gained influence from outside sources such as China, it is different from the establishment of churches in Europe and other places where religion was actually imposed upon the people from outsiders rather than people from the same ethnic background.
How might this unique start have continued to influence how Christianity is regarded in Korea?
This unique start might have continued to influence how Christianity is regarded in Korea because it was introduced by a native Korean, it could be regarded as something that was in Korea from the beginning of time (some people may forget that Korea did not always have any outside Christina influences before it was introduced during the 18th century.)
10/10/11 SHAMANISM - The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture by David A. G. Johnson
Document 3
Define SAJU
Saju is the book that the fortune tellers use to predict the future. Sa meaning 4, Ju meaning pillars, thus the major columns of one's birth: year, month, day and hour.
Describe your group's reaction to the teacher's visit to the Korean fortune-teller.
Our group was initially kind of surprised and not expectant of the reaction of the teacher to the fortune-teller. After this initial reaction, we began to see that we recognized this type of Shamanism. Like the teacher, we were surprised as well. But then we realized that this is not an uncommon sight in Korea especially when applied to our parents and grandparents.
Why did the Korean University professor arrange the visit?
The Korean University professor, despite not believing in the fortune-teller itself, arranged the visit because he wanted the man to experience something part of the Korean culture. Perhaps a little curiosity of what the fortune-teller would say plays a role in having the visit arranged but it is mostly the idea of having the man exposed to Korean traditions.
List three questions you would ask the teacher to ask the fortune-teller.
When should I get married? What time of year would be good for marriage?
I am planning to move into a Korean apartment. Would this place be a good place to live? Where would be a good place to live?
How is this year's Korean SAT going to turn it out? Will it turn out well? I hope so.
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
The supreme governing authority is the law. It is the law because "To govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong." this means that "Whatever the law applies to, the wise cannot reject nor can the brave defy. Punishment for fault never skips ministers, reward for good never misses commoners. Therefore, to correct the faults of the high, co rebuke the vices of the low, to suppress disorders, to decide against mistakes, to subdue the arrogant, to straighten the crooked, and to unify the folkways of the masses, nothing could match the law." Because a ruler is not as clear and strict as the law and because rulers can be prone to corruption, law is the supreme governing authority when it comes to Legalism.
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
The "Two Handles" are chastisement and commendation. They are very important to the legalist state. The sovereign must never surrender control over the two handles because with these two handles, the sovereign controls everyone and everything in the society. Ruling through the two handles is very helpful in running state affairs because officials are afraid of censure and punishment while they look forward to rewards for their merits. Therefore, if the ruler lets go of these two things, the whole social order and state rule will become undermined. As Han Fei explains, "Now supposing the lord of men placed the authority of punishment and the profit of reward not in his hands but let the ministers administer the affairs of reward and punishment instead, then everybody in the country would fear the ministers and slight the ruler, and turn to the ministers and away from the ruler. This is the calamity of the ruler's loss of the handles of chastisement and commendation."
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
Individuality and private initiative play two different roles in Han Fei's ideal state by being part of the "Two Handles" system. As an individual, one has private initiative to show good merits and good qualities in front of their elders and superiors. This obligation draws from the Han Fei's ideal that a ruler must rule with chastisement and commendation. If one individual plays out their merits and good qualities correctly, then they will be rewarded (commended) for their work. However, if they show qualities that negate their merits, they shall be punished.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
I think that Legalism appealed to some people because in this system, everything works out as a system of reward and punishment. During a time of chaos and instability, Legalism came into the picture as something that stabilized the state. To me, Legalism does not seem too appealing because why would I want to live in constant fear of my ruler and my actions? I would be fearful that every single action that I take would need to be parallel with the expectations and the ideals of the ruler, and above all, the law.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
A Daoist would respond that the purpose of a good government is to ensure the good lives of all the citizens. Morality when formulating law plays a role especially when considering the fact that such rules must play a role in ensuring the happiness of people. The qualities of a superior ruler are kindness, benevolence, and balance. Also, the quality of simple-mindedness would be a good quality as well. A Confucian would respond that the purpose of a good government is to be ruled by capable and intelligent leaders who (though they may come from humble backgrounds) seek prosperity and health in the state. The qualities of a superior ruler would be intelligence and being forthright with decisions. In addition, a Confucian leader would be someone who possesses the quality of being respectful and being respected. A Legalist would respond to this question by saying that the purpose of a good government is to ensure that the law is upheld in every way possible through the rule of a good leader. To a Legalist, the role of morality plays a role when formulating law because of the "two handles" system used to judge individuals to give them rewards and punishments. The ideal Legalist ruler would be someone who is intelligent, decisive, and at times cruel (when dealing out punishment).
10/04/11 TAOISM - Essential Quotes of Taoism
In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
This quote does remind me of a Christian quote but I can't quite remember which quote. I believe in Christianity they have the same ideal of "mysterious things" being the entrance into a world of great and marvelous things. Like Christianity, this Taoist quote seems to portray that what we cannot attain (the mysteries) are something greater than our existence in that by reaching them, one can attain "indescribable marvels." There are other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind me of Christian ideals as well. For example, in the line "That which has no name is the origin of heaven and earth" shows that Tao had an understanding of a difference in "heaven" and "earth." Also, in the line "Treat great calamities as if they were happening to yourself" reminds me of a Christian quote: "Love thy neighbor." Though they may not be entirely related to each other, I believe treating great tragic situations is important in understanding people's situations just like the Christian quote "Love thy neighbor" and "do unto others the way you would wish others to do to you." Lastly, the line that states, "Through compassion, one will triumph in attack and be impregnable in defense. What heaven succors it protects with the gift of compassion" reminds me of Jesus Christ in a way. Jesus had compassion for his people and used that love for his people to protect himself and his followers from attack.
See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
These lines help us understand how Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems in that they share common traits and beliefs. The values of "not wanting / not honoring / and not paying attention" are all deeply entrenched ideas that all of these three faiths have: that one should not honor or respect men of worth, should not want precious things, and should not pay attention to desire.
Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
The last three entries describe Taoist government. This Taoist ideal of government is different from Confucius' ideal government of of hardworking and educated individuals making the government because the Taoist ideal is a government with compassionate rulers who do not focus on expansion or gaining more power land-wise. When I read this section, I was reminded of a socialist government perhaps because it is especially egalitarian. I believe that socialism is a good form of government in theory, however, it is not good when practiced. In the world, whenever a government changed into a socialist government, the people and government became corrupted and everything did not end up well in the end so I don't believe that it is a good form of government in the end.
Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
I think that Tao's message is "The third is known as not daring to take the lead in the empire; Being compassionate one could afford to be courageous." I agree with this message of compassion because compassion is brought out by being caring and brave in the face of hardships. In order to be compassionate, you need to care for a cause and look after your people. This says that ambitious people are greedy and only think about themselves instead of considering the feelings of others.
10/04/11 TAOISM - Tao of Pooh "Bisy Backson"
Summary (Sean S Kim) This chapter introduces “Bisy Backson” as a figure that always is on task to do something and tries to save time, but ends up having nothing actually done in the end. As an example, Hoff portrays Christopher Robbin’s note to his friend that states: “GONE OUT / BISY / BACKSON.” In addition, Hoff gives an example of an old man who starts to run in order to get rid of his footprints and the shadow, but they still remain. He runs until he passes out and eventually dies. If he were Pooh and thought like a Taoist, the man would have just stayed in one place without light to get rid of both the shadow and the footprint. Through these examples, Hoff shows us that just like Pooh, if one thinks in a simple manner, the answer might just be a bit closer than one thinks.
In short, this chapter highlights the idea that simple thinking in Taoism is the right way to go about doing things instead of staying busy all the time. Staying busy all the time and constantly moving around is totally against the idea of Taoism. This chapter describes this through the examples of the “Old Man and his Shadow”, the “Unreachable Honey Jars”, “Eeyore’s Journey to See the Uncarved Block”, "The Teahouse vs The Hamburger Stand" and other stories.
In conclusion, Bisy Backson is the type of character that is actually trying to save time, but totally wastes it all in the end. Ultimately through this chapter, Hoff explains an important tenet of Taoism: simple thinking and relaxation leads to ultimate long term happiness instead of one sided happiness in health or success.
“The clouds above us join and separate, The breeze in the courtyard leaves and returns. Life is like that, so why not relax? Who can stop us from celebrating?” - Lu Yu Theme Analysis (Soyoon Kim) “All work and no play makes Backson a dull boy.” (92) “Gone out / Back soon / Busy / Back soon” (96-97) “Back out / Gone soon / Busy / Gone soon” (96-97)
“Bisy Backson” is literally “Busy Back Soon” misspelled. The notion of “Bisy Backson” is a person who works all day without any play. Like the quote on page 92, “All work and no play makes Backson a dull boy” meaning that one cannot be happy if one works all the time. Instead of living to enjoy the rewards that they reap, Bisy Backsons live to reap rewards and then reap more rewards. In order to gain these rewards, Backsons must look to the future to put himself before others instead of looking towards the present and focusing on present-day matters. This applies to the fast-paced lifestyles of many people today. Living in a globalized world, we must come to realize that we ourselves tend to live with this attitude as well. We are constantly on a search for ways to "save time, money, energy" for the future while what we should be doing is focusing on the present and looking towards the future for guidance instead of setting unreachable and unattainable goals for ourselves. This theme shows that we need to take a step back instead of just looking forward in order to set ourselves straight on our path through life.
"I was having an awful dream," he said. "Oh?" "Yes. I'd found a jar of honey...," he said, rubbing his eyes. "What's awful about that?" I asked. "It kept moving," said Pooh. "They're not supposed to do that. They're supposed to sit still." "Yes, I know." "But whenever I reached for it, this jar of honey would sort of go somewhere else." "A nightmare," I said. "Lots of people have dreams like that," I added reassuringly. "Oh," said Pooh. "About Unreachable jars of honey?" "About the same sort of thing," I said. "That's not unusual. The odd thing, though, is that some people live like that." "Why?" asked Pooh. "I don't know," I said. "I suppose because it gives them Something to Do." "It doesn't sound like much fun to me," said Pooh. (98-99)
The Unreachable honey jars are a symbol of the “rewards” of a Bisy Backson. Devoting their lives to evading the laws of nature by attempting to “save” time, Bisy Backsons never reach full happiness because they are constantly pushing their rewards away. Pooh’s dream manifests the main idea of a “Bisy Backson”: an individual cannot reap their rewards if they work all day with no play. The theme represented in this excerpt from the chapter is that of “happiness” in terms of different lifestyles. The author comments on how living the life of a Bisy Backson will not ensure that you achieve maximum happiness. Instead, you will not be able to reach the Unreachable honey jars. Hoff says, “The odd thing, though, is that some people live like that" -- these "people" referring to Bisy Backsons: those who are always "Around the next corner, above the next step" and in their own minds, "ahead" of everyone else.
“Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life? We are determined to be starved before we are hungry. Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.” - Henry David Thoreau (108)
This quote by Henry David Thoreau also provides evidence of how the theme of "time" plays out in this chapter. Like Tao, Thoreau questions why people live in such a hurry to get things done when what they should focus on is the present. The fact that we are striving to starve ourselves before we are even "hungry" is a problem as well in that we are thinking too far ahead and thus lose sight of what is more important.
Discussion Questions (Brian K Kim)
What, in your opinion, is a "Bisy Backson?" Are you yourself a Bisy Backson?
What does the author mean when he says, "Our Bisy Backson religions, sciences, and business ethics have tried their hardest to convince us that there is a Great Reward waiting for us somewhere, and that what we have to do is spend our lives working like lunatics to catch up with it"? Why would someone strive to earn this "Great Reward?"
Do you think that a Bisy Backson "wastes" time? Is it possible to "save" time? If so, why?
What do the Unreachable Jars in Pooh's dream symbolize? Why are they "Unreachable" do you think?
How is the character Rabbit an example of a Bisy Backson?
Where would you rather spend your time: at a teahouse or at a hamburger stand? Which do you think applies more to Taoist principles?
What does "progress" mean to you and why does the author emphasize it in this chapter?
What is and how can one become a "Taoist Immortal"?
What does the author mean when he states, "the honey doesn't taste so good once it is be- ing eaten; the goal doesn't mean so much once it is reached; the reward is not so rewarding once it has been given"?
09/29/11 TAOISM Chuang Tzu And the Butterfly Analysis
Why does the author choose a butterfly?
The author chooses a butterfly because it is something so small and innocent that it is hard to imagine ourselves as such a creature. Perhaps he is speaking to the "butterfly effect" where one small action is amplified. Or perhaps he is speaking to the fact that butterflies go through metamorphosis: the process of changing from an egg, to a small caterpillar, to a beautiful butterfly. Like butterflies, we as humans go through huge stages of growth and change.
What is the importance of the water cycle?
The importance of the water cycle is that it is cyclical. The cycle never stops. It shows that the medium (water) is not exactly created nor destroyed but goes through this cycle again and again. The author in this poem compares this to our lives (and the life of the "man raising melons"). What goes around, comes around. It is constantly repeating itself.
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
The point about the "man raising melons" is that the man is living a different life from his previous life as a rich prince. The author is trying to convey that the position that you hold in life is unimportant because it will eventually change in your next life. Like in Buddhism, our desires are beyond our control and we keep on holding onto them. However, we must learn to detach ourselves from these desires in order to understand indifference to life because it it constantly changing.
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
The author is attempting to convey a message about life to the reader. The author is trying to explain the importance of change in nature. We live, grow, and die. We are all part of the constant change that lives go through. This is the basis of Taoism and other East Asian philosophies. To me, the author seems to be trying to say that we should live our lives to the fullest and not be burdened by the positions that we are born into. Instead, we should embrace them and embrace change as we live our lives and move on.
09/26/11 TAOISM Tao of Pooh Group Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The painting Vinegar Tasters did not just signify three men tasting vinegar. The expressions on their faces represented the Three Teachings of China. The vinegar they are tasting represents the Essence of Life. The three masters are K’ung Fu-tse, Buddha, and Lao-tse.
What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
The theme of life according to Hoff's interpretations of Taoism is to work with life’s circumstances, Taoist understanding changes what others may perceive as negative into something positive.
How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Hoff explains the "uncarved block” by not getting into details because he does not want to confuse matters any further. Also, he says it would only be an intellectual idea that could be left on the intellectual level and ignored. Things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.
What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2)
a. The secret message is not to think too much and get stressed out, but to indulge and enjoy life.
What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
a. The Confucianists were bunch of philosophers hoping to reach jurisprudential perfection, and the Taoists thought that was just too much.
Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Rabbit, owl, and the Eeyore represents Cofuciust. They acquire knowledge in sake of acquiring knowledge. However, the taoist, pooh, is simple minded and lives life.
What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
Busy ants spoiling the picnic of life, rushing back and forth to pick up the bits and pieces dropped from above.
What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
He says that the two are not necessarily the same thing. The knowledge that comes from experience is more valuable that the knowledge itself.
What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Most scholars blame the mind of the Uncarved Block known as Ignorance for problems in the world. It is not justified because the problems are cause itself, either directly or indirectly, through its own limitations, nearsightedness, or neglect.
What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The “cleverness” has a limitation with inaccuracy of passing time as it does not look very deeply into things. Cleverness does not make someone unique. The “Inner Nature”refers to the idea that everything has its own place. When people realize and respect their Inner Nature, they know where they belong. This is beyond the intellectual mind of cleverness.
Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It is important to recognize one’s Inner Nature because it teaches them where they belong and where they do not fit in. A positive factor for an individual can be a disaster for another individual. Therefore, it is important to know where one belongs.
Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Hoff interpret this as those who can identify their problems and take care of them will live a longer life than the others who believe that they are healthy and do not have any weaknesses. In other words, weakness can be an important factor in a life.
What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
Hoff means that one must face and realize their limitations and weakness. One must work with these things which means to accept them rather than working against them which is rejecting one’s weakness and limitations. One’s limitations can be one’s strengths.
What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
If people do not listen to their Inner Nature, they will not understand themselves. Hence, they will have low self-esteem and be dependent on others.
What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The way of Self Reliance is realizing what we’ve got to work with and what works best for us. This may possibly include identifying the weakness and struggles we have and working with them.
How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can effectively use the principles of Taoism by not getting rid of our weakness and things that we don’t like. Rather, by changing them into other things or using them in beneficial ways can be effective.
What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
The Wu Wei literally means "without doing, causing, or making." Basically, this means that you should not meddle in other people's business. In order to achieve Wu Wei, one must learn to work with one's "Inner Nature" and reach the effortless level with natural laws.
How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
This quote explains the Wu Wei by saying that even though Tao does not do anything, it does not mean nothing is accomplished. By not reacting and doing nothing, Tao achieves peace with the natural laws and goes with the flow of things. He does not force anything unnaturally and lets things work in their own way. In that way, he achieves what needs to be done.
How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi reflects Wu Wei and Taoism as a martial art by following similar principles. For example, in Tai Chi, one’s objective is to weaken the opponent by reflecting back the energy sent by the opponent. It is not a physical combat, but rather doing nothing and going with the flow of things to accomplish the defeat of an opponent.
Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
I guess you could say that I am a Bisy Backson in some ways, but not entirely. I don’t regard myself as someone who spends time trying to save time, but rather someone who lives to make the best of things in life and keep looking forward. I don’t believe that “progress” is the only way to move forward in life. I value development as a person as well, not just material goods and physical progress like a Bisy Backson.
What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
The Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff is that first, the Miserable Puritans came and worked themselves to death and were succeeded by the Restless Pioneers who too worked themselves to the bone thus introducing the Lonely Cowboys who were always off looking for something in the distance. And from these ancestors came the modern day Bisy Backson.
How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
The Bisy Backson wastes time by trying to save it by not realizing the fact that time cannot be “saved.” Time can only be spent. By trying to save time, he wastes even more of it because he does not get as much as he put into it. For example, if he spent 24 hours trying to save 3 hours then he would have wasted a total of 21 hours.
What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
The Youthful Immortals are Taoist people of all age levels who are known for their youthful characteristics in attitude, appearance, and energy. Instead of living only 40 years, these Youthful Immortals could live up to 80 to 90 years.
What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
The thing that makes us happy in life is the process which we go through to reach the goals because the goals that we reach do not keep us happy in the long run. For example, with the honey example, the final enjoyment of eating the honey at the end was not what makes Pooh happy the most. It was the enjoyment of the process that he went through to get that honey that made him the most happy in life. The taste of honey does not last forever, but the experience of getting the honey does.
What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The significance of The Stone cutter is that you should be satisfied with the life that you are given. You shouldn’t pursue something “greater” than yourself because you are greater than yourself already.
The significance of The stonecutter is that knowing how to value their own benefits are going to take some time.
Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
The significance of this line is that courage does not come from the knowledge that you possess. Courage comes from the character of the heart, not from the cleverness in one’s head.
People who cares a lot has a lot of wisdom, meaning that people who does not care are people with out wisdom. Unlike knowledge which does not need any care.
Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One finds Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage not through going to look for them. One must follow the cycle of being appreciative and knowing who one is as a person before pursuing these things. Otherwise, they would be unhappy and miserable.
To find Wisdom a person needs to walk a long way, where people has to learn small things at first. Gradually they will reach the wisdom, happiness and courage. When it goes to certain point Wisdom, Happiness and Courage becomes the cycle where there is no start or end.
What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
The Great Nothing is something. It is what the Taoists call the mysterious something that is important but is actually nothing at all.
b. Great Nothing is known as T’ai Hsu which means Great Secret. Meaning of leading wisdom. Doing nothing is the best, meaning that it gives peace.
Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
An Empty sort of mind is so valuable according to Taoism because with an Empty Mind, one is able to see the problems set before them and solve the problems wisely. If one does not have an Empty Mind and is constantly worrying about what to do and how to do things, then one cannot accomplish the tasks at hand.
Empty sort of mind equals open minded. In taoism being open minded is very important, reason for this is because it leads people to lean and accept other people’s teaching.
Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
The quote means that to attain knowledge to your head, you must add things by learning the, and memorizing them. But the way to achieve wisdom is different. One must forget oneself in his senses and begin to see oneself in the Middle of Nothing and joing the Source of All Things.
To learn something you have to be working and learning from others, However to gain wisdom, you have to be openminded and thinking for your self and learning by yourself. Wisdom is a thing which you cannot learn from others but can only recognized by themselves.
Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
The child is the highest stage of development because they are the “clear-minded, all seeing Child.” As adults, we lose sight of things that are innately important in life. However, the Child is enlightened and light and filled with happiness.
Children is a stage of “prunes”. Stage where a person aware things, enjoying things what surrounds them. Children can only depend on other people ( having no independence ).
Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
It only separates people from being openminded and thinking from the real world. Making a person to think too much and care too little.
b. It only separates people from being openminded and thinking from the real world. Making a person to think too much and care too little.
09/20/11 CONFUCIANISM Confucius's Ideal Government
If you were a ruler during the time of Confucius, would you have accepted his advice about government? Why?
If I were a ruler during the time of Confucius, I would not have accepted his advice about government. The time that Confucius was alive was during the late Zhou Dynasty--a time period that was characterized by internal warfare, instability,
Do you think any of Confucius's thoughts about government could be useful to government leaders today? If so, what do you think could be helpful? If not, what are some of the most important problems involved in his perspective?
I think that all if not most of Confucius's thoughts about government could be useful to government today. I think that the points that he brings up about how letting the "the ruler be a ruler, the minister be a minister, the father be a father, and the son be a son" relates to how governments run today. It is most important to let people do their jobs because if they do not do their jobs, their position name would be pointless and meaningless. I also think that his point on how "if the ruler is rectified, the people will be rectified" is helpful today because we see from time to time unjust rulers who expect his or her people to obey without command but this is not the case because the ruler itself is not rectified. Confucius is emphasizing that a ruler should truly lead by example. That way, people will follow his example (like a conductor in an orchestra).
09/20/11CONFUCIANISMWhat would Confucius do?
Confucius would vote for the first candidate because he is more talented even though he is from a poor background. Confucius puts education first before all other things, and he would value more talent in governing rather than coming from a privileged background.
He would ask his parents to move in with him because he respects them. Confucius would respect his parents and value his relationship with his parents.
Confucius would advise the people to respect the officials and tolerate them to an extent because the relationship between citizens and government should be respected. However, because of the Mandate of Heaven he would advise the people to complain because the Mandate of Heaven also states that if government becomes corrupt, people have the right to overthrow the government.
If Amanda was Confucius, she would give the credit to her friend and lose her chance to make a large profit because Confucius values the relationship between a friend and a friend. A good human would not abandon friendship over profit.
Unlike Christianity, Islam, Judaism there have been no major religious wars caused by Buddhism
Lotus flower symbol
08/31/11 BUDDHISM Unit II Religion Lesson 1
How are religion different from philosophies? How are they similar? Define each?
Religion is different from philosophies because they mean two different things. Religion is usually defined as a belief in and the worship of a deity or deities in a particular faith (with many followers) whereas philosophy is defined as a system of beliefs that are accepted by a group or school (or personal belief) about morality. They are similar in that they are both systems of belief and their beliefs can be accepted by large groups of people. In addition, they are both of some persuasive nature. Even though they might not have been created or are followed for persuasive means, they have the potential to be persuasive in instilling some values upon a people. For example, Christianity is a religion whereas Confucianism is a philosophy. Christianity has a group of followers that follow certain rules and doctrines that are outlined in the Bible. Confucianism, on the other hand, has a group of followers (mostly the countries of East Asia like China and Korea) who follow the philosophy, but are not bound to any rules or specific principles. In other words, philosophies have a code that is less strict that that of most world religions. It is important to learn about philosophy because it opens our minds to a wider world.
B Kim Soyoon Ancient Unit III Ancient History
10/10/11 CHRISTIANITY IN KOREA - Reading 3: Introduction of Protestantism, Christianity 1880s - 1910s
10/10/11 CHRISTIANITY IN KOREA - Reading 1: The Origins of the Korean Church
10/10/11 SHAMANISM - The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture by David A. G. Johnson
Document 3
10/09/11 SHINTOISM - Retrieval Chart
10/09/11 LEGALISM - Reading and Questions
10/04/11 TAOISM - Essential Quotes of Taoism
10/04/11 TAOISM - Tao of Pooh "Bisy Backson"
Summary (Sean S Kim)
This chapter introduces “Bisy Backson” as a figure that always is on task to do something and tries to save time, but ends up having nothing actually done in the end. As an example, Hoff portrays Christopher Robbin’s note to his friend that states: “GONE OUT / BISY / BACKSON.” In addition, Hoff gives an example of an old man who starts to run in order to get rid of his footprints and the shadow, but they still remain. He runs until he passes out and eventually dies. If he were Pooh and thought like a Taoist, the man would have just stayed in one place without light to get rid of both the shadow and the footprint. Through these examples, Hoff shows us that just like Pooh, if one thinks in a simple manner, the answer might just be a bit closer than one thinks.
In short, this chapter highlights the idea that simple thinking in Taoism is the right way to go about doing things instead of staying busy all the time. Staying busy all the time and constantly moving around is totally against the idea of Taoism. This chapter describes this through the examples of the “Old Man and his Shadow”, the “Unreachable Honey Jars”, “Eeyore’s Journey to See the Uncarved Block”, "The Teahouse vs The Hamburger Stand" and other stories.
In conclusion, Bisy Backson is the type of character that is actually trying to save time, but totally wastes it all in the end. Ultimately through this chapter, Hoff explains an important tenet of Taoism: simple thinking and relaxation leads to ultimate long term happiness instead of one sided happiness in health or success.
“The clouds above us join and separate, The breeze in the courtyard leaves and returns. Life is like that, so why not relax? Who can stop us from celebrating?” - Lu Yu
Theme Analysis (Soyoon Kim)
“All work and no play makes Backson a dull boy.” (92)
“Gone out / Back soon / Busy / Back soon” (96-97)
“Back out / Gone soon / Busy / Gone soon” (96-97)
“Bisy Backson” is literally “Busy Back Soon” misspelled. The notion of “Bisy Backson” is a person who works all day without any play. Like the quote on page 92, “All work and no play makes Backson a dull boy” meaning that one cannot be happy if one works all the time. Instead of living to enjoy the rewards that they reap, Bisy Backsons live to reap rewards and then reap more rewards. In order to gain these rewards, Backsons must look to the future to put himself before others instead of looking towards the present and focusing on present-day matters. This applies to the fast-paced lifestyles of many people today. Living in a globalized world, we must come to realize that we ourselves tend to live with this attitude as well. We are constantly on a search for ways to "save time, money, energy" for the future while what we should be doing is focusing on the present and looking towards the future for guidance instead of setting unreachable and unattainable goals for ourselves. This theme shows that we need to take a step back instead of just looking forward in order to set ourselves straight on our path through life.
"I was having an awful dream," he said.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I'd found a jar of honey...," he said, rubbing his eyes.
"What's awful about that?" I asked.
"It kept moving," said Pooh. "They're not supposed to do that. They're supposed to sit still."
"Yes, I know."
"But whenever I reached for it, this jar of honey would sort of go somewhere else."
"A nightmare," I said.
"Lots of people have dreams like that," I added reassuringly.
"Oh," said Pooh. "About Unreachable jars of honey?"
"About the same sort of thing," I said. "That's not unusual. The odd thing, though, is that some people live like that."
"Why?" asked Pooh.
"I don't know," I said. "I suppose because it gives them Something to Do."
"It doesn't sound like much fun to me," said Pooh.
(98-99)
The Unreachable honey jars are a symbol of the “rewards” of a Bisy Backson. Devoting their lives to evading the laws of nature by attempting to “save” time, Bisy Backsons never reach full happiness because they are constantly pushing their rewards away. Pooh’s dream manifests the main idea of a “Bisy Backson”: an individual cannot reap their rewards if they work all day with no play. The theme represented in this excerpt from the chapter is that of “happiness” in terms of different lifestyles. The author comments on how living the life of a Bisy Backson will not ensure that you achieve maximum happiness. Instead, you will not be able to reach the Unreachable honey jars. Hoff says, “The odd thing, though, is that some people live like that" -- these "people" referring to Bisy Backsons: those who are always "Around the next corner, above the next step" and in their own minds, "ahead" of everyone else.
“Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life? We are determined to be starved before we are hungry. Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.” - Henry David Thoreau (108)
This quote by Henry David Thoreau also provides evidence of how the theme of "time" plays out in this chapter. Like Tao, Thoreau questions why people live in such a hurry to get things done when what they should focus on is the present. The fact that we are striving to starve ourselves before we are even "hungry" is a problem as well in that we are thinking too far ahead and thus lose sight of what is more important.
Discussion Questions (Brian K Kim)
09/29/11 TAOISM Chuang Tzu And the Butterfly Analysis
09/26/11 TAOISM Tao of Pooh Group Questions and Answers
a. The secret message is not to think too much and get stressed out, but to indulge and enjoy life.
a. The Confucianists were bunch of philosophers hoping to reach jurisprudential perfection, and the Taoists thought that was just too much.
- Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
- Rabbit, owl, and the Eeyore represents Cofuciust. They acquire knowledge in sake of acquiring knowledge. However, the taoist, pooh, is simple minded and lives life.
- What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
- Busy ants spoiling the picnic of life, rushing back and forth to pick up the bits and pieces dropped from above.
- What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
- He says that the two are not necessarily the same thing. The knowledge that comes from experience is more valuable that the knowledge itself.
- What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
- Most scholars blame the mind of the Uncarved Block known as Ignorance for problems in the world. It is not justified because the problems are cause itself, either directly or indirectly, through its own limitations, nearsightedness, or neglect.
- What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
- The “cleverness” has a limitation with inaccuracy of passing time as it does not look very deeply into things. Cleverness does not make someone unique. The “Inner Nature”refers to the idea that everything has its own place. When people realize and respect their Inner Nature, they know where they belong. This is beyond the intellectual mind of cleverness.
- Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
- It is important to recognize one’s Inner Nature because it teaches them where they belong and where they do not fit in. A positive factor for an individual can be a disaster for another individual. Therefore, it is important to know where one belongs.
- Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
- Hoff interpret this as those who can identify their problems and take care of them will live a longer life than the others who believe that they are healthy and do not have any weaknesses. In other words, weakness can be an important factor in a life.
- What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
- Hoff means that one must face and realize their limitations and weakness. One must work with these things which means to accept them rather than working against them which is rejecting one’s weakness and limitations. One’s limitations can be one’s strengths.
- What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
- If people do not listen to their Inner Nature, they will not understand themselves. Hence, they will have low self-esteem and be dependent on others.
- What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
- The way of Self Reliance is realizing what we’ve got to work with and what works best for us. This may possibly include identifying the weakness and struggles we have and working with them.
- How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
- We can effectively use the principles of Taoism by not getting rid of our weakness and things that we don’t like. Rather, by changing them into other things or using them in beneficial ways can be effective.
- What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
- The Wu Wei literally means "without doing, causing, or making." Basically, this means that you should not meddle in other people's business. In order to achieve Wu Wei, one must learn to work with one's "Inner Nature" and reach the effortless level with natural laws.
- How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
- This quote explains the Wu Wei by saying that even though Tao does not do anything, it does not mean nothing is accomplished. By not reacting and doing nothing, Tao achieves peace with the natural laws and goes with the flow of things. He does not force anything unnaturally and lets things work in their own way. In that way, he achieves what needs to be done.
- How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
- Tai Chi reflects Wu Wei and Taoism as a martial art by following similar principles. For example, in Tai Chi, one’s objective is to weaken the opponent by reflecting back the energy sent by the opponent. It is not a physical combat, but rather doing nothing and going with the flow of things to accomplish the defeat of an opponent.
- Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
- I guess you could say that I am a Bisy Backson in some ways, but not entirely. I don’t regard myself as someone who spends time trying to save time, but rather someone who lives to make the best of things in life and keep looking forward. I don’t believe that “progress” is the only way to move forward in life. I value development as a person as well, not just material goods and physical progress like a Bisy Backson.
- What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
- The Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff is that first, the Miserable Puritans came and worked themselves to death and were succeeded by the Restless Pioneers who too worked themselves to the bone thus introducing the Lonely Cowboys who were always off looking for something in the distance. And from these ancestors came the modern day Bisy Backson.
- How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
- The Bisy Backson wastes time by trying to save it by not realizing the fact that time cannot be “saved.” Time can only be spent. By trying to save time, he wastes even more of it because he does not get as much as he put into it. For example, if he spent 24 hours trying to save 3 hours then he would have wasted a total of 21 hours.
- What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
- The Youthful Immortals are Taoist people of all age levels who are known for their youthful characteristics in attitude, appearance, and energy. Instead of living only 40 years, these Youthful Immortals could live up to 80 to 90 years.
- What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
- The thing that makes us happy in life is the process which we go through to reach the goals because the goals that we reach do not keep us happy in the long run. For example, with the honey example, the final enjoyment of eating the honey at the end was not what makes Pooh happy the most. It was the enjoyment of the process that he went through to get that honey that made him the most happy in life. The taste of honey does not last forever, but the experience of getting the honey does.
- What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
- The significance of The Stone cutter is that you should be satisfied with the life that you are given. You shouldn’t pursue something “greater” than yourself because you are greater than yourself already.
- The significance of The stonecutter is that knowing how to value their own benefits are going to take some time.
- Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
- The significance of this line is that courage does not come from the knowledge that you possess. Courage comes from the character of the heart, not from the cleverness in one’s head.
- People who cares a lot has a lot of wisdom, meaning that people who does not care are people with out wisdom. Unlike knowledge which does not need any care.
- Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
- One finds Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage not through going to look for them. One must follow the cycle of being appreciative and knowing who one is as a person before pursuing these things. Otherwise, they would be unhappy and miserable.
- To find Wisdom a person needs to walk a long way, where people has to learn small things at first. Gradually they will reach the wisdom, happiness and courage. When it goes to certain point Wisdom, Happiness and Courage becomes the cycle where there is no start or end.
- What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
- The Great Nothing is something. It is what the Taoists call the mysterious something that is important but is actually nothing at all.
b. Great Nothing is known as T’ai Hsu which means Great Secret. Meaning of leading wisdom. Doing nothing is the best, meaning that it gives peace.09/20/11 CONFUCIANISM Confucius's Ideal Government
09/20/11 CONFUCIANISM What would Confucius do?
- Confucius would vote for the first candidate because he is more talented even though he is from a poor background. Confucius puts education first before all other things, and he would value more talent in governing rather than coming from a privileged background.
- He would ask his parents to move in with him because he respects them. Confucius would respect his parents and value his relationship with his parents.
- Confucius would advise the people to respect the officials and tolerate them to an extent because the relationship between citizens and government should be respected. However, because of the Mandate of Heaven he would advise the people to complain because the Mandate of Heaven also states that if government becomes corrupt, people have the right to overthrow the government.
- If Amanda was Confucius, she would give the credit to her friend and lose her chance to make a large profit because Confucius values the relationship between a friend and a friend. A good human would not abandon friendship over profit.
09/19/11 CONFUCIANISM Notes on Confucianism09/09/11 BUDDHISM Tibetan Buddhism Project
By: Soyoon Kim, Jasmine McCarthy, and Rachelle Moon
http://d.pr/u2wc
(The link above has the video that can be downloaded!)
09/08/11 BUDDHISM Comparison Chart of Buddhist Schools
08/31/11 BUDDHISM Religion Video
08/31/11 BUDDHISM Religion Video Outline
08/31/11 BUDDHISM Unit II Religion Lesson 1